Germany is set to examine potential stricter regulations surrounding the use of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with Education Minister Karin Prien announcing the formation of an expert commission to assess the issue. A ministry spokesperson confirmed to the Funke Media Group that the “Commission for Child and Youth Protection in the Digital World” will begin its work in the coming weeks. Minister Prien has consistently advocated for more robust age verification measures to safeguard children and adolescents online.
However, the proposal for stricter age limits isn’t without nuance. Bundestagspräsidentin (President of the Bundestag) Julia Klöckner has expressed a more cautious approach. She stressed the importance of empowering young people through media literacy and responsible online behavior, suggesting that a minimum age would only be effective if properly implemented.
Notably, Klöckner recently announced plans for the Bundestag itself to establish a presence on TikTok. She explained that the platform has become a primary source of information for many young citizens, a demographic increasingly unreachable through traditional news channels. This move reflects an acknowledgement of the platform’s influence and a commitment to engaging with them directly.
